The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-06-03
LABORERS' NEW Laws.
Essential Features of the Knights Proposed
New Constitution.

Essential Features of the Knights Proposed
New Constitution.
Philadelphia Record.
The new constitution proposed by the general
executive board of the Knights of Labor is being
somewhat excitedy discussed by members of
the organization throughout the country. Print
ed copies of the document have been pretty
freely circulated, although issued a secret
circular from headquarters, at No 814 North
Broad street. to all the local assemblies in this
country and Canada.
The present constitution can only be amended
by a twothirds vote of the General Assem- bly,,
which meets next October, and this circular is
sent out to meet with the requirement that all
proposed amendments must be printed and dis
trbuted to each local assembly at least sixty
days previous to the General Assemblys annual
meeting.
In two sections the proposed new constitution
gives the general executive board complete con-
troll over all strikes in the order, one declaring
that strike shall DE declared without the sane
ton of the executive board of the State or dis
trict assembly under the General Assembly, and
the other that the general executive board shall
have full power and complete authority to effect
a settlement of any strike participated in by
members OF the order. whether the strike has
been or has not been sanctioned By the board,
Another important change is the proposition
to increase the terms of the members of the gem
eral executive board from one TO two years. Ma
tonal trade districts are provided for In the pro-
posed new constitution much as in the present
law, but those local assemblies exclusively COM
posed of one trade and attached to a mixed dis
LElSt assembly InuSL uESL OBTAIN perIuiSSlOu Oh
the district assembly before organizing into q
national trade district
The new constitution gives the General AS
semby power to amend that part OF the funda-
mental law relating to itself at any annual ses-
sion, while amendments to other parts must lie
over for thirty days after local assemblies have
considered them. Steps taken to prevent
members from criticising the actions of the
order, by the insertion of clause providing for
the expulsion of any member who may malign
an officer or member and who may fail to bring
charges against the person maligned or may be
unable to prove his assertions.
The lines limiting the membership are more
rigidly drawn. No person who handles intoxi-
eating liquors, no matter how remotely, is eligi-
BILE to join the order, nor are lawyers, bankers,
to reduce the number of strikes is made by
section which states that any strike entered into
by a local assembly without the authority of the
district, State General Assembly to which it
may be attached shall surrender it's books and
charter
The scheme of cooperation which is fostered
by the order is to be supported by voluntary
contribution Of cents per month from mem
bers instead of by assessment of 10 cents per
month, as provided for in the old constitution
The beneficial insurance feature is dilated
upon, and tables given showing the amount OF
premium to be collected at certain ages. There
are other changes of minor character relating to
the internal workings of the order. Local as
of their members and the public by arranging
for public lectures the aims and objects of
the order. Local assemblies are also compelled
to devote one meeting month to discussion OF
the principles of the order and the duties Of the
members.